Finding for a clasp



Nov. 3, 1936. A. HUREwlTz 2,059,582

` FINDING FOR A CLASP l 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Jan. 24, 1954 INVENTO R LEKA/vage ////e5w/ rz ATTO R N EYS Nov.3,193s. A, HUREWWZ 2,059,582

FINDING FOR A CLASP Filed Jan. 24, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nov.3, 1936 UNITED STATS PATET OFFICE FINDING FOR A CLASP AlexanderHurewitz, New York, N. Y.

Application January 24, 1934, Serial No. '708,036

14 Claims. (Cl. 2li- 252) The present invention relates to improvedmetal findings adapted for utilization in clasps, clamps, buckles andsimilar fastening devices.

Clasps, clamps, buckles and similar fastening devices are customarilyformed of two jaw members pivotally connected to each other, one ofwhich pivotal members may, if desired, be used to carry an ornamentalfacing or design plate to give the fastening device an artistic anddecorative appearance.

In making these fastening devices of sheet metal parts, the pivotalelements or the jaw members are usually formed, so that they willreceive at one end or side thereof a pivot mount consisting of a pin,encircled by a coil spring, the

ends of which coil spring contact with the opposite jaw members to pressthem toward or away from each other, as may be desired.

The utilization of separate pivotal members,

such as pins, and the further utilization of coil springs encirclingsaid pins and cooperating with the jaw members has resulted in asubstantial increase in the cost of the finished metal finding and italso necessitates many additional machin-e and manual operations inproduction thereof.

The coil springs usually associated with these pins are also usually notaltogether satisfactory since they tend to press the jaws closelytogether and make it difficult to attach the front designv orydecorative plate or shield. Then in order to assemble decorative frontsor design plates on the jaw members, it is necessary either to providespecial holding means to separate the jaws against the spring tension orto provide stop means upon one or both of the jaws to maintain the jawmember on which the design plate is to be mounted in a predeterminedposition in regard to the other jaw member so that a most satisfactoryattachment of the design plate may be made. Neither of these eXpedientshave proven altogether satisfactory in commercial practice.

It is an object of the present invention to provide improved findingsfor clasps which may be made by an inexpensive process and at low costwith automatic machinery and without substantial manual labor.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved metalfinding suitable for' 5 utilization in clasps, clamps, buckles andsimilar fastening devices, which may be readily formed from sheet metalstampings to be pivotally mounted upon each other without the necessityof utilizing pin or other separate pivot mounts, and without the need,of employing Coil Springs,

for pressing the pivoted members toward or away from each other.

Another object is to provide a metal finding to be used in clamps,clasps and similar fastening devices, which may be readily made by an 5inexpensive process and at low cost, and which, although it is providedwith resilient means, may be most readily provided and assembled with adecorative facing plate or design member without the necessity ofproviding special clamping 10 means or stopping means to prevent theresilient member from pressing the jaws or pivotal members closelytogether.

Other objects will be obvious and will appear during the course of thefollowing specification. 15

In accomplishing the above objects it has been found most suitable toform the two pivotal or jaw members of the clasps, clamps or similardevices of sheet metal stampings. On-e of these jaw members is formed toreceive or mount a 20 decorative design or front facing plate and theother is provided with prongs or other holding means to grip thematerial to be inserted between the jaws.

One of the pivotal or jaw members, preferabli7 25 the backing, grippingor non-mounting member in one embodiment, is formed so that it isintegrally provided with projecting ears forming a pivotal mount, whilethe other jaw or pivotal member is provided with a recessed element to30 receive a resilient member preferably taking the form of a flat leafspring.

Preferably the pivotal portion of the firstmentioned backing jaw memberin addition to being provided with integral bearing elements 35 is alsoprovided with means to tension the spring and thus enable correctresilient operation of the device.

The above and other objects will appear more clearly from the followingdetailed description 40 when taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, showing a preferred embodiment of the inventive idea.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the finding for a 45 clasp without thedecorative or ornamental facing being applied thereto.

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view.

Fig. 3 is a side sectional view upon the line 3--3 of Figures 1 and 2.50

Fig. 4 is a side view similar to the finding of Figs. 1 and 2, with thedecorative face or ornamental facing being indicated as being positionedthereupon.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view upon a slightly en- 55 larged scale of themounting jaw member or pivotal jaw element.

Fig. 6 is an operational plan View indicating how the backing or rearpivotal member of Figs. l to 3 may be formed and stamped out from astrip of metal by automatic machinery.

Figs. 7, 8, 9, and l are respectively side sectional views upon thelines 'i-l, 8 8, 9 9, and il-i of the metal strip of Fig. 6 upon anenlarged scale, illustrating various stages in the formation of thebacking or rear pivotal rnount` ing of Figs. 1 to 4, and

Fig. l1 is a top plan elevational view of the bottom or rear pivotal orjaw mounting member upon a somewhat smaller scale than Fig. l.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, the metal finding for the clasp, clamp,buckle and other similar fastening device consists of backing, grippingor rear pivotal jaw member A, and a forward or mounting pivotal jawmember B. The backing member A, see Figs. 1 to 4 and l1, is formed ofsheet metal, in the manner indicated in Fig. 6, which has been punchedand stamped out to leave the annular spade-shaped portion i9 having acentral opening ll, from the edges of which upwardly project the prongsl2, i3 and H.

The pivotal end l5 of the backing member or pivotal member A is rolledover to form a coillike round or cylinder l 6 (see Figs. 3 and 4) Theends H of the backing A enclosed in the roll I6, has two outwardlyprojecting ears i8, which serve to form the inner pivotal bearingmember.

The upper portion of the round or roll i6 is provided with the cam orelevated portion or knob or the abutment i9 which is preferably thrownup from the roll E6, said knob or abutment I9 serving to tension thespring 26 of the upper, mounting or pivotal jaw member B.

The mounting or pivotal jaw member B shown best in Fig. 5 is alsopreferably formed of a sheet metal stamping having a rectangular-shapedbase or mounting side E l, the ends of which have the downturned ears 22with the encircling or outer pivotal bearing members 23. These members23 are provided with the openings 2li for receiving the pivot ears ortangs I8. The sides of the base 2i are also provided with the upturnedflanges 25 to form a cup to receive the convex spring member 2Q.Portions of the edges of the flanges 25 are inclined inwardly towardeach other at 26, (see Fig. 5) to hold the leaf spring 2li in position.

As indicated, in dotted lines in Fig. 4, the face or ornamental frontplate El may be connected to the face or base 2i of the upper ormounting pivotal mounting element B.

It will be noted that the pivotal connection between the front mountingand the back gripping pivotal or jaw members A and B is devoid of aseparate pivot pin connection, and that the projecting ears or tangs I8are formed integrally from the backing member A to form part of thepivotal connection. This eliminates the necessity of using a separatepin and substantially decreases the cost of metal findings.

The provision of a at leaf spring 26 as illustrated in combination withthe tensioning cam or abutment means i9 also substantially reduces thecost and improves the utilization and functioning of the finding.

It will be particularly noted that the finding of the present inventionis devoid of stopping means, which are necessitated when coil springsare employed. These stopping means serve to limit the movement of themounting element B either toward or away from the backing element A sothat said mounting element will be in position to attach the decorativeor ornamental facings or plates 2l to the mounting jaw member B.

It will be noted from Figs 3 and 4, even though no stopping means areemployed, that it is readily possible to attach a face or decorativeplate 2l to the mounting element B. It will be noted that the effect ofthe cam member or abutment i9 on the roll i6 upon the flat spring 2? isnormally to position the member B about in the position in which thebase 2| of the upper pivotal member B will be parallel to the plane oithe rear pivotal member A.

The position shown in Fig. 3 may be very conveniently employed whenattaching the element 2l to the mounting member B, while relativeposition of the mounting shown in Fig. 4 is the normal relative positionof the elements A and B, after assembly with the plate 27.

A particular advantage residing in the clamps, clasps, or metal findingsof the present invention is that both the front and rear pivotal membersA and B may be most conveniently formed by automatic stamping andforming machines without involving any substantial manual eliort and atvery low cost.

The manner in which the upper or mounting pivotal element B is stampedout and formed is obvious from the construction thereof.

The formation of the backing or rear pivotal or jaw member A isillustrated in Figs. 6 to 10.

Referring to Fig. 6, the strip of metal is fed into the stamping machineand is then sub- `iected to a series of forming and stamping operationsas it is advanced through the stamping machine.

The stamping die which need not here be described carries out theoperations indicated by the Roman numerals I, II, III, IV, V, VI and VIIin Fig. 6, the lines 36 representing the center lin-es of the backingmember A in each position.

The operations II, III, IV, V, VI and VII take place along the centerlines 3S and the forming or cutting devices carrying out theseoperations are also centered along the cutting die I6. The rst operationI takes place somewhat oli center, so as to partly cover one of thecenter lines and the die for the iirst operation I is somewhat oisetfrom the center line 3E of the backing element A.

During the stamping and forming operation the main die with its seriesof sub-dies, one for each operation I to VII is reciprocated downwardlyat a certain number of reciprocations per minute with a strip of metalbeing advanced the distance between two center lines 35 between eachdown stroke of the die. t one side of the machine a strip of metal 35 isfed in and at the other side, the completely formed backing members Aand the perforated strip 350 are removed.

In the first operation (see Fig. 6) the opening 3l is formed and the camor abutment member i9 is thrown up along the center line 36 asillustrated.

It will be noted by this operation that the inner pivotal bearingmembers or ears I8 are formed on two adjacent backing members A whilethe cut out 3l is provided to enable these ears and the rear portion Ilof the backing member to be rolled conveniently inwardly, as will besubsequently described.

In operation II (see Figs. 6 and 7) the roll i6 will be partly formed,as indicated at lEa, bythe forming member on the die. V l

In operation III (see Figs. Sand 8) the roll I6 will be further formedas indicated at Ib. At the same time the initial out lI la will beformed in making the central opening il of the backing A.

In operation IV (see Figs. 6 and 9) the roll i6 will be further formedas indicated in IGc and the central opening i! will be enlarged, asindicated at lla and Hb. It will be noted in operation IV that the iirsttang l2a is completely formed in fiat position.

In operation V (see Figs. 6 and 10) the round will be further formedinto substantially final form, as indicated at ltd while the formationof the opening Il will be substantially completed, as indicated at Ha,Hb and llc. It will be noted in this operation that the tangs I2a, i3d.and lila. have all been formed, but in plane with the strip of metal 35.

In operation IV the round ld is subjected to a sizing operation tocorrect its size and put it in final form and the tangs l2, i3 and Hlare upturned. At the same time the backing A is stamped out along thedotted line 38 to form the backing of Fig. 11.

The openings 50 are adapted to receive dowel pins and thereby correctlyposition the strip 35-for the operations I to VII.

The residual strip of metal 350 then passes to Waste or some other placeof utilization.

As is apparent, the manufacturing operation is automaticallyaccomplished and this continuous automatic operation involves nosubstantial manual effort.

The backing element A, together with its pivot mount l8-l8 is integrallyformed from a single strip of metal. This element A, as shown in Fig.11, then may be conveniently combined with the stamping B of Fig. toform the finding.

What is claimed is:

1. A clasp comprising a'front mounting member and a rear jaw member,said members being provided with a pivotal connection at one sidethereof and said mounting member being adapted to receive an ornamentalfacing plate; said mounting member being formed of a single metal sheethaving a rectangular base, the ends of which of smaller dimension areprovided with upturned ears, having extension portions provided vvithopenings, said extension portions serving as outer pivotal bearingelements, and the sides of longer dimension also having upturned longerflanges, the outer edges of which are in part at least inturned, saidupturned ears and anges forming a box-like receptacle and a leaf springbeing enclosed therewithin and held therein by said inturned portionsofrsaid longer flange members; said rear jaw element being formed of astamping of substantial length and width to correspond to the length andwidth of the ornamental facing plate, said jaw member being providedwith a central opening from the inturned edges of which project aplurality of spaced pointed prongs and the rear end of which is formedinto a round, the interior of the round containing a pivotal edge of thebacking member, said pivotal edge being integrally provided with a pairof outwardly projecting elements to be received in the openings in saideX- tension portions of said ears of said jaw member and the outside ofsaid round adjacent said jaw member being provided with an abutment totension said leaf spring.

2. A clasp comprising a front mounting member and a rear Vjaw member,said members being provided With a pivotal connection yat one sidethereof and said jaw member being adapted to receive an ornamentalfacing plate; said mounting member carrying a flat spring and beingprovided vvith upturned ears, having extension portions provided withopenings, said extension portions serving as outer pivotal bearingelements, said rear jaw element being provided with a plurality ofspaced prongs and with a roll having a central embossed spring contactabutment, said roll being integrally provided with a pair of outwardlyprojecting tangs to be received in the openings in the extensionportions of said ears oi' said mounting member.

3. A clasp comprising a front mounting member and a rear jaw member,said members being provided with a pivotal connection at one sidethereof and said jaw member being adapted to receive an ornamentalfacing plate; said mounting member being formed of a rectangular sheetmetal base, the ends of which of small dimension are provided withpivotal ears serving as. outer pivotal bearing elements, and also havingintervening upturned side iianges, said upturned flanges and earsforming a box-like receptacle and a leaf spring being enclosedtherewithin; said rear jaw element being provided with a plurality ofprongs and with a pair of outwardly projecting integral tangs to bereceived by said ears, said jaw member being provided'with c-am means totension said leaf spring.

4. A clasp comprising a front mounting pivotal jaw member and a rear jawmember, said pivotal jaw members being provided with a pivotalconnection at one side thereof and said mounting pivot-al jaw memberbeing adapted to receive an ornamental facing plate; said mountingpivotal jaw member being formed of a single metal sheet having arectangular base, the ends of which of smaller dimension are providedwith upturned ears provided with openings, said ears serving as outerpivotal bearing elements, and the sides of longer dimension also havingupturned anges, said upturned flanges forming a receptacle and a leafspring being enclosed therewithin, said rear jaw element being providedwith a central opening from the inturned edges of which project aplurality of spaced prongs and rear end of which is formed into a round,the pivotal edge of the jaw member being integrally provided with a pairof outwardly projecting tangs to be received in the openings in saidears and the outside of said roll adjacent said jaw member beingprovided with means to tension said leaf spring.

l 5. A clasp comprising a box-like mounting con* taining a flat leafspring, and a base member to which said mounting is pivotally connected,said member having a return bent round portion with an embossmentengaged by said spring, and further having outside integralpivotcarrying arms.

6. A clasp comprising a mounting carrying a flat leaf spring, and a basemember to which said mounting is pivotally connected, said member havinga return bent round portion with an embossment engaged by said springand tensioning said spring when said mounting is swung about its pivotalconnection, said base member further having outside integralpivot-carrying arms.

'7. A clasp comprising a mounting with a flat spring and a base memberto which said mounting is pivotally connected, said member having areturn bent round portion engaged by said spring with a stampedembossment when said mounting is swung about its pivotal connection,said base member further having outside pivotoarrying arms.

8. A clasp comprising an open inverted box and a flat spring in saidbox, the ends of said box being provided with inturned portions toretain said spring in position, and a base member to which said mountingis pivotally connected and having abutment means to tension said spring.

9. A finding for a clasp comprising a jaw member having a work-engagingportion, a mounting member of a length less than that of said jawmember, carrying a ilat spring and extending short of said work-engagingportion, means for pivotally connecting said members together, one ofsaid members being provided with holed ears and the other with integraltangs tting into the holes of said ears formed respectively from thestock thereof, said jaw member also carrying a round provided With anembossment therein to tension said spring.

10. A clasp comprising a mounting member, and a jaw member to which saidmounting member is pivotally connected, said jaw member having acompletely coiled round portion with an abutment and further havingoutwardly extending integral pivot-mounting arms.

l1. A clasp comprising a mounting member carrying a at spring, and a jawmember to which said mounting member is pivotally connected,

said jaw member having a coiled round portion, said jaw member furtherhaving outwardly extending integral pivot-mounting arms and carrying anembossed abutment in said coil portion to tension said spring.

12. A clasp comprising a mounting member, a spring and a jaw member towhich said mounting member is pivotally connected, said jaw memberhaving -a completely coiled round portion with a stamped abutment, saidjaw member further having outwardly extending integral pivotal arms.

13. A clasp comprising a mounting member provided with a at spring and ajaw member comprising a flat member having work engaging teeth, the endof the at member having a completely coiled roll portion to Contact saidspring, the end of which lays on top of said flat member, which end isprovided with integral outwardly extending ears.

14. A clasp comprising a mounting member provided with a flat spring anda jaw member for a clasp comprising a flat member having Work-engagingteeth, the end of the flat member having a completely coiled rollportion, the ends of said roll having outwardly extending tangs and thetop of said roll having an upwardly projecting portion to contact saidspring.

ALEXANDER HUREWITZ.

